Home. Nothing can be more spectacular than coming home and living the Christmas spirit in the bosom of family and friends. But more than just home, Bacolod has a certain allure that a local like me could never place her finger into yet finds visitors and tourists prattling about it. Bacolod is the capital of the province of Negros Occidental, the other half of the sock-shaped island in the central part of the Philippine archipelago. The city is not as fast-paced and urbanized as Metro Manila or Cebu. However, malls and coffee shops are slowly sprouting around the city that brings Bacolodnons to buzzing and moving. Known for its sugar produce, Bacolod City and Negros Occidental boast of the warm hospitality and sweet nature of its people. Even when the sugar industry went down in the 80’s, the people found a way to cheer up and celebrate amidst the economic crisis. Locals would love to show you around and serve their best and sweetest delicacies. Though Bacolod City is small, the combination of its economic progress and the conventional, tranquil ambiance always charm tourists and visitors. The small side streets are always filled with colorful jeepneys that have different designs from the traditional ones found in Manila. The downtown area has a public plaza and market where people sell various items especially during the holiday season. The sidewalk of the plaza fronting the Cathedral has rows of thrift shops selling clothes, bags, shoes and stuffs that can be given as Christmas gifts. Large speakers are sometimes placed at the sidewalk with loud Christmas music to attract shoppers. During the Christmas season, families get together over lunch or dinner. Christmas lights and decorations are found in every homes, establishments, and parks. The Capitol building looks majestic with the lagoon and colorful lights in the foreground. For a restful holiday season, Bacolod is a welcome place to locals coming home and to tourists wanting to have a feel of the fresh, sweet Negros air. ${QuickSuggestions} If you plan to spend the holidays in Bacolod, book your hotel and plane tickets two months in advance to get lower rates and discount. Due to the influx of travelers, local airlines give promos in advance. There are many good getaways within and around Bacolod. Check the local tourism office for package tours that will bring you to nearby Silay City, Mambukal hot springs or the local beaches. Though the people can easily understand and speak English, it would still be good to learn the basic local dialect. A number of ATMs are in Bacolod city but if you are traveling to other towns within the province, it is safe to have a few pesos in hand. It would come handy to have a mobile phone with you as there may be places without pay telephone. ${BestWay} From Manila, Bacolod can be reached by air or by sea. Flights from Manila to Bacolod are about four to six in a day and may take 45 minutes only. Trips from Cebu are shorter. A ship ride from Manila however may take 20-24 hours, not ideal for those who are following an itinerary. Book your tickets a month or two in advance to have cheaper rates and to ensure seats. When December comes, most flights are full because of people coming home and spending their vacation in Bacolod. There are many taxis and jeepneys plying within Bacolod city and nearby towns. But they become infrequent by night fall. Be sure to check the jeepney routes before you load them. However, some places within the downtown area can be reached by walking.
From journal Christmas In My Bacolod Home